Congratulations to our NACADA Award Winners!

Jamie Wheeler

Dr. Sebastian Bryson

Three University of Kentucky academic advisors have been recognized by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).

Jamie Wheeler, , academic advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been awarded the NACADA National Outstanding Advising Award - Primary Advising Role. Jamie also won the campus-wide Ken Freedman Outstanding Professional Advisor Award and the NACADA Region III Outstanding Academic Advisor for the state of Kentucky.

Dr. Sebastian Bryson, professor and advisor in the department of Civil Engineering in the College of Engineering, has been awarded the Faculty Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Advsing Award from NACADA. Dr. Bryson was also awarded the campus-wide Ken Freedman Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award.

Casey Shadix

Casey Shadix, academic advisor in the Gatton College of Business & Economics, has been awarded the Certificate of Merit from NACADA for Outstanding New Advisor in a Primary Advising Role. Casey was also a finalist for the Ken Freedman Outstanding Professional Advisor Award.

Many congratulations are in order for these professionals who exemplify what academic advising is all about.  We appreciate your service to the students of UK!

Kentucky Kernel Article about Upcoming Day of Service

Click below to see the Kentucky Kernel's article about our upcoming Day of Service at the Kentucky Horse Park!

http://kykernel.com/2012/04/09/advisers-plan-cats-day-of-service/

Advising Network Seeking Nominations for 2012-13 Executive Committee

The Advising Network is seeking nominations for the 2012-13 Executive Committee for the positions listed below.

Chair Elect – This is a 3 year commitment.  The Chair-Elect's responsibility is to learn from the Chair and past Chair. The position allows for a year of understudy before assuming the leadership of the network. The Chair-Elect coordinates the annual network elections and chairs the elections committee. In addition, the Chair-Elect is responsible for planning the calendar and network meetings. 

Secretary – The Secretary position is responsible for preparing the annual membership drive, maintaining the membership database, preparing minutes of network meetings, and assisting the Chair in compiling the Annual Report for the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education. The Secretary is also a member of the Day of Service committee.

Public Relations Coordinator: This position will oversee the electronic newsletter, post information to the advising network Web site, chair the public relations committee, and assist other committee members as needed to coordinate publicity.

Events Coordinator: This position coordinates, with additional help from the membership when needed, Advising Network events to include Advising Week, Answer Day, Holiday social event, Advisor Awards, and other events developed in the future. For each event, the coordinator handles event invitations, tracks attendance, reserves rooms, negotiates menus and prices with catering, and event publicity. Also, this position chairs the events committee, which completes all pieces for an event to include decorations, publicity, programs, IT support, and budget.

Admissions & Academic Standards Committee: Represent the Advising Network on the University's Admissions and Academic Standards Committee. 

Undergraduate Council: Represent the Advising Network as an ex-officio non-voting member of the Undergraduate Council. The Undergraduate Council functions to proposals for new and revised undergraduate courses and degree programs.

Please take a moment to nominate yourself or someone you know who you think would be interested in serving on the UK Advising Network Executive Committee through the link below.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZBHHKWG 

If you have any questions, please contact Matt Waitkus, Chair-Elect, at matt.waitkus@uky.edu.

New Advisor Q&A: Wayne Centers, College of Health Sciences

Name:  Wayne Centers

Hometown:  London, KY

Tell us about your educational background.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science from Berea College in 2005.  Influenced by my involvement in college, I went on to the University of Kentucky to pursue my Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Higher Education, which I finished in 2007.

Tell us about your work history.

Prior to becoming an academic advisor, the bulk of my work history was earned through Housing and Residence Life programs.  I served as a Graduate Hall Director for two years in UK’s South Campus Complex.  I accepted my first professional position as a Residence Hall Director for Northern Kentucky University in 2007 and served there until June 2011.  Through these experiences, I oversaw several significant initiatives including RA training, selection, RSA/RHA advising, as well as graduate and undergraduate supervision.

What will you be doing in your new position?

Pending approval of the newly proposed Human Health Sciences degree, I will serve as a primary advisor for the students of that cohort.  I currently advise undergraduate pre-major students within our Clinical Leadership and Management, Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Medical Laboratory Sciences programs.  I also provide pre-professional advising for students interested in Physician Assistant Studies and Physical Therapy.  My responsibilities also include advising our College of Health Sciences Ambassador program and serving as the Athletic Certification officer.  In addition, I routinely hit the recruitment trail and meet with prospective students frequently.

Why did you want to be an advisor?

I have always valued the advising and mentoring relationships of my prior experiences.  Academic advising provides me an opportunity to specialize within this area in a very focused way.  While helping out students navigate the curriculum is important, I also strive to find opportunities to be that resource agent when it comes to any aspect of their student experience.  I also looked forward to the possibility of gaining academic affairs experience and find that all of my talents have been utilized in my transition.

What is your favorite part of working with college students?

I’ve especially relished the opportunity to work with students from the beginning of an experience to the end – especially when that experience is entering as a first-year student and finishing with a degree.  There’s nothing more professionally satisfying than seeing a student capture their potential and then do big things.  It’s fulfilling to think that you’ve helped open doors along someone’s path toward success.

What do you love about UK?  

I love the sense of identity and pride that comes with being a student and working at this institution.  More than any other place I’ve been, there is a distinct energy on this campus – all it takes is a simple walk around campus to realize it!  This all translates to our people.  I thrive off the high level of competence of my colleagues and am continually impressed with our talented student body.

Welcome to the E-Newsletter!

Welcome to the all-new UK Advising Network e-newsletter, the Network News!

We will be featuring the same content in this format that was featured previously in the Publisher version of the newsletter.  However, this platform will allow us to post articles more quickly, meaning that you--the reader--will get more up-to-date information!

A quick e-mail will be sent to the Advising Network listserv when a new post is added, just as it was with this one.

Stay tuned for the latest updates!

Ryan and Emily Sallee
UK Advising Network Public Relations Coordinators

New Advisor Q&A: Mike Rudolph, College of Arts and Sciences

What is your hometown?

I grew up in Bellbrook, Ohio – one of the many suburbs of Dayton.

What is your educational background?

I attended the University of the Cumberlands (formerly Cumberland College) in Williamsburg, KY where I earned a BS in Chemistry with a minor in Physics. After graduating from Cumberland I attended Indiana University Bloomington for graduate school, where I earned an MS in Nuclear Chemistry.

What is your work history?

In terms of relevant work history, I served as a Research Assistant and an Associate Instructor at Indiana University from 2008 to 2011 before taking my current position last July.

What will you be doing in your new position?

I currently advise undergraduate students in a number majors within the College of Arts & Sciences, including Math, Math Economics, Chemistry, Physics, and Geology.

Why did you want to be an advisor?

I have always enjoyed working with people, particularly undergraduate students. I came to a point in graduate school where I realized after having taught for several years that I enjoyed working with people to a much greater extent than I did working in the lab or analyzing data. While I was not looking to teach full time, I began looking for jobs in student affairs where I could interact with students on a daily basis.

What is your favorite part of working with college students?

My favorite part of working with college students is the unique challenge(s) each student presents. There are consistencies and patterns in the issues that students deal with, but each student is unique.  

What do you love about UK?  

More than anything I love the staff. Everyone I have met has been friendly and helpful and is genuinely concerned for the well-being of the students.

Advisors recognized at annual Ken Freedman Outstanding Advisor Awards luncheon

On Friday, February 24th, advisors across campus gathered to recognize Jamie Wheeler, an advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences Humanities Community, and Dr. Sebastian Bryson, a professor in the Civil Engineering department in the College of Engineering, as the recipients of the 2012 Ken Freedman Outstanding Advisor awards.

Each year, one University of Kentucky faculty member and one University of Kentucky staff member are presented with the Ken Freedman Outstanding Advisor Award to recognize outstanding service in the field of academic advising. Thirty-three professional and faculty advisors have been recognized since the award's founding in 1994. The Ken Freedman Outstanding Advisor Awards are sponsored by the UK Advising Network and the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and are named in honor of Ken Freedman, who served as a professional advisor at UK for 15 years prior to his death in 2001.

New Advisor Q&A: Maureen Holloway, College of Business and Economics

What is your hometown?

Sayre, PA

What is your educational background?

I received my BS in Secondary Education with a focus in Biology from Penn State University in 2001 and my M.Ed. in College Student Affairs, also from Penn State, in 2010. 

What is your work history?
After graduating from Penn State in 2001, I moved to the city of Chicago to be a teacher. I taught 9th grade Science (Earth/Space Science, Environmental Science, or Biology – depending on the year) at Steinmetz Academic Center for six years. While there, I also coached Academic Decathlon, Cheerleading, Track, Debate, and Girls’ Swimming. I loved my students, but as the time went on, I learned that I didn’t love teaching anymore. So, I decided to go back to my alma mater and became a part of a wonderful graduate program. I was the GA in the Office of Judicial Affairs while I was there, and also worked with student-athletes at the Morgan Academic Support Center for Student-Athletes. After graduation, I moved here to Lexington, where I was a tutor for our student-athletes before starting my position in Gatton last March.

What will you be doing in your new position?

I advise over 300 students in both lower and upper divisions, and also process On Campus Transfers and Upper Division Applications.  In addition, I work with the other advisors on programming and Conference Advising.  This past fall, I taught a section of UK 101, which was great because it allowed me to get to know the campus and the school right along with my students.  It also showed me that deep down, I never lost my love of teaching – it just needed to be redirected.

Why did you want to be an advisor?

My favorite part of teaching was talking to my students.  I loved working with them on a one-on-one basis and helping them see what the future could hold for them.  Advising allows me to do this all the time, and to work with students who are incredibly motivated.  I love helping them get to the point where their dreams seem so close and then working with them to make sure that they reach the goals they set out.  I also love helping them problem-solve when things don’t go the way they thought they would.

What is your favorite part of working with college students?

I love their energy.  My students are always so excited about something.  Whether it’s classes, or an internship opportunity, or basketball, or DanceBlue, they are pumped to be a part of it.  That energy isn’t found in everyone.  They have a chance to make a difference and they’re ready to jump on it.

What do you love about UK?  

I love the spirit of UK.  I come from another big school with a lot of spirit and had searched for something similar since then.  I found that spirit once again in UK.  I may bleed a different color blue most of the time, but there are shades of royal starting to weave in and out of it.

New Advisor Q&A: Tim Leyson, College of Arts and Sciences

What is your hometown?

I am from Mahwah, New Jersey, which is located right outside of New York City!

What is your educational background?
I received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with three minors in Chemistry, Christian Education, and Psychology from Greensboro College in Greensboro, NC.  I have a Masters of Education in Counselor Education with a specific focus in College Student Development from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. 

What is your work history?
During my time at NC State, I was a Graduate Assistant in Housing as a Residence Director working with first year Engineering students, Graduate Academic Advisor working with Intra-Campus Transfer students, and Counselor Education interning in the Office of Health Promotion and the Counseling Center.  My counseling internship focused on Substance Abuse Awareness, Individual and Group Counseling for students with Substance Abuse related issues, and working closely with Peer Mentors to help educate their peers on health related topics.  After completing my Master’s program, I then took a position at Miami University in Oxford, OH.  At Miami University, I served in the capacity as a First Year Advisor.  In the position of First Year Advisor, I was the primary Residence Hall Director and Academic Advisor.  I academically advised students living within my Residential Living Learning Community, supervised eleven Resident Assistants and three Graduate Students in the Student Affairs Program, and directed the programmatic vision of the community.  In addition, I served as the primary organizational advisor for the Residence Hall Association and coordinated the Resident Assistant and Peer Mentor courses instructed through the Office of Residence Life. 

What will you be doing in your new position? 
In my position as an Academic Advisor, I will be working with our Math and Natural Science Community, advising Biology students. 

 

Why did you want to be an advisor? 
At the heart of Advising is helping students discover their path for life.  Part of my life was spent thinking I was going to be a doctor but all that changed when I came to college.  Going to college is a special time in a young person’s life that makes one think about yourself and the work around you.  Being an Advisor helps me guide the next wave of doctors, scientists, and leaders of this world.  As an Advisor, we get the opportunity to make an impact in the lives of students by helping them discover their vocation, or calling in life.  Also, we serve in the role as what some have called me a “Reality-Intervention-Specialist”.  Sometimes students need someone to be honest with them about their current direction. 

What is your favorite part of working with college students?
My passion for the work I get to do every day is helping students make meaning out of their educational journey.  Working with college students is one of most rewarding experiences I do on a daily basis.  I remember the days of taking classes at 8 o’clock in the morning and having Advisors that pushed me to not only succeed in the class room but equip with the critical thinking skills to analyze my own career path.  As an Advisor, I want students to understand that there is so much more than just going to class and building a social network during college.  The opportunity to attend college is both a challenging and rewarding development experience that I have been so blessed to have been given the opportunity to undertake.  Sharing my story with students about my past college experiences, good and bad, will help students understand how to make meaning of their college experience.   

What do you love about UK? 
I love walking across campus and seeing the pride students have in attending UK.  As a professional it has begun helping me become passionate about this place and values this institution strives for all levels of staff and students.  I know have a better understanding of what it means to “See Blue in Everything We Do.”  I also love the amount of collegial support that I have gained as a new professional here at UK.  I have met some incredible people and I have been only working here for a month! It is just amazing to see the amount of support given to a new person to make them feel welcome and at home. 

New Advisor Q&A: Tasha Cotter, College of Communications and Information Studies

What is your hometown?

Glasgow, KY

What is your educational background?
I started at Centre College, but transferred to UK for their phenomenal Creative Writing program. As a high school student I’d attended the Governor’s Schools for the Arts where I was taught by Frank X. Walker, Nikky Finney, and Crystal Wilkinson, and I really felt like UK was the place best suited for my interests. At UK I got involved with the Honors Program and studied abroad in France during the summer of 2005. I graduated in May 2006 with a degree in English Literature and a minor in International studies. In December 2010 I earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Eastern Kentucky University. 

What is your work history?

Prior to becoming an academic advisor for the College of Communications and Information Studies, I worked in Enrollment Management for three years. I took some time off to get my Masters and in 2011 I taught college composition.

What will you be doing in your new position? 

I work with freshmen pre-majors in the College of Communications and Information Studies. I also plan to assist Regina Francies, our recruitment and outreach coordinator, with the UK Preview Nights and recruitment efforts for our college, which I’m very excited about. 

Why did you want to be an advisor?

I really like working one on one with students. Advising is a great mix of teaching, counseling, and scheduling. I like the process of helping students navigate college and I love introducing them to new opportunities they may never have heard of. UK is a big place and it has something to offer everyone.

What is your favorite part of working with college students? 

They keep me on my toes and they crack me up! I like helping them zero in on their interests and natural abilities and getting them to think about future career possibilities. I attended UK and I’ve been associated with the university for a while now. I love locating resources that I know will benefit my advisees and helping them make the most of their college years.

What do you love about UK?  

I’m amazed by how the university is always changing and always improving, which is so important. I think that this place offers SO many dynamic opportunities for its faculty, staff, and students to take advantage of.